5'-nucleotidase activity in the spinning gland cells of Diacrisis obliqua (Arctiidae: Lepidoptera).

5'-nucleotidase activity in the spinning gland cells of an Indian moth, Diacrisia obliqua has been studied for the first time during prefunctional, functional and postfunctional phases of development. The enzyme seems to play an active role in the metabolism of silk secretion. Differential utilization of 5'-nucleotidase substrate in the growing and degenerating cells has been studied and discussed.